IRIS NETWORK For Equality in Training

IRIS (the European Network on Women’s Training) focuses on equal opportunities in training and employment while contributing to the creation of innovative training methods and materials. From 1995 on, the IRIS network has become an independent association whereby its members part-finance the network and its activities are subsidized under different EU programs. The Network

IRIS has three main objectives: Promoting equal opportunities in vocational training Developing the quality of women’s training Creating links between training organizations throughout Europe Objectives

Organizations which: Are vocational training centers Organize vocational training for women/ incorporate equal opportunities Organize training with an equal opportunities dimension Organize vocational training for women’s training needs Provide training which guarantees women better integration into the labor market Work closely with social partners/government authorities Promote the development of practice and policy for women’s training and innovative evaluation procedures for training Who can become a member

Subscription to the IRIS-Memo Subscription to the series “Reflections on Women’s Training” Automatic inclusion in the IRIS database Copy of the IRIS contact-diskette Opportunity to publish messages free of charge through IRIS Bulleting Boards and IRIS publications Preferential prices and access to training and events organized by IRIS Access to information days on themes such as training and equal opportunities in Europe, the Structural Funds or themes of your choice A copy of the IRIS annual report Services to members

 Coordinator  Management Committee  Scientific Committee  Honorary Patrons Committee  Advisory Committee Organizational Structure

IRIS model projects Innovative projects which incorporate a strong equal opportunities dimension Publicity grants Financial support given to innovational publicity ideas which promote women in the workplace and their rights Activities

Activities (2) Exchange visits Exchange between IRIS members aimed at strengthening the European dimension in vocational training, promoting practical work experiences, developing linguistic and training skills & facilitating the transfer of technologies IRIS partnership seminars Structural seminars aimed at helping interested parties find partners in order to prepare and submit programs

Activities (3) Summer schools Organized once a year and targeted at both trainers and training coordinators.. (subjects: Training in the learning society, Reflections on women’s training – concepts of equality, Mainstreaming and equality, Combating racism and promoting inter-cultural communication in training, Distance training as a tool for women e.t.c.)

Training of trainers Workshops Training of trainers in diversity integrating new features which support distance learning tasks Publications Regular and exceptional publications published every year and distributed to members Irisnet Interactive communication service of the IRIS network Activities(4)

IRIS - EAST In the framework of the European program PHARE, IRIS began a project with Eastern and Central Europe. Up to now, an “East-West Network for equality” was launched. The aim was to establish partnership programs between women’s training organizations.

IRIS network works In a Europe with 25 state-members, 460 million residents, 21 official languages and many dialects, tens of nationalities and tens of ethnic minorities, with a multitude of religions and civilizations, approximately asylum applications and acquisitions of citizenship every year

Understanding of the history of female education in European countries Development of vocational techniques of information and education Women and new technologies Development of educational material with a gender view Results

Results (2) Research, intervention methodology and training tools for: Stereotypes, and Distinctions (relating to education, age, marital status, heritage, income and religion) Ethnic minorities Job market and women (history, female occupations, women and occupation, development in the hierarchy, coaching and mentoring)

Results(3) Development of a European female movement Promoting European politics on issues relating to equality of the two genders History of legislative measures on equality issues Awareness raising and public sensitization

Results(4) Theoretical work, experience exchange, networking and bibliographical approach on the following issues : Women and family Women and authority Women and politics Women and religion Equal reward

Solution of existing problems Women /Access to Education The Female literacy rate is 32.6% compared to the 56.5% for men In some rural areas, this rate is 2% or less According to the Asian Development Bank, in 2000, 60% of the overall population of Pakistan were illiterate, of which 60% were women. In some rural areas of Sindh and Baluchistan, female literacy rates are 2% or even less.

Pakistani women do not have access to education for a variety of reasons Due to cultural practices, such as early marriage and childbearing. Widespread poverty makes a girl’s work essential to the family survival and in situations like this, education is considered to be a luxury. The families themselves and some husbands can show their opposition, as educated women are more likely to be aware of their rights.

Results of women not being able to access education: Women become unable to perform even the simplest of tasks, mainly in the public domain. They are unable to understand the voting process and therefore cannot find political representation or become candidates themselves. The cannot learn where to access health care They cannot apply for skilled jobs, as it is understandable that that illiterate women cannot read information about potential positions or fill an application form. They cannot read newspapers, contracts, papers to buy or sell property. They cannot start and manage their own business.

Proposed activities Model projects Publicity grants Exchange visits partnership seminars Summer schools Training of trainers Workshops Data base

. Petrou George Training expert G. C. Development Group